Taiwan, Kaohsiung: Kaohsiung American School

Kaohsiung American School

Web: www.kas.kh.edu.tw

2007-2008

The Kaohsiung American School (KAS) is a private, nonprofit, college-preparatory school with an American curriculum modeled on stateside standards and learner objectives.  The School serves foreign passport holding students from the international community of South Taiwan.    The school year comprises 2 semesters from August 14 to December 21 and from January 14 to June 6.

Organization:  The Board of Directors of the Kaohsiung American School has 9 voting members elected from the Parents Association.  Other members may be appointed to the Board on an ex-officio basis.  The term of the office is for two years, and members are selected on a rotating basis to ensure carry-over.

Curriculum:  The curriculum is based on the U.S. model of education.  Instruction is in the English language.  The School stresses high academic standards and provides for individualized and differentiated instruction where possible.  The curriculum is updated and strengthened on an annual basis.  Challenging courses, including Advanced Placement, are offered in the high school, leading toward college acceptances at stateside colleges and universities.  The School’s academic and extracurricular programs promote each student’s intellectual, social, emotional, physical, and creative development.  KAS is accredited with the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and is a member of the East Asia Regional Council of Overseas Schools (EARCOS) and the Association of China and Mongolia Schools (ACAMIS). 

Faculty:  In the 2007-2008 school year, there are 33 faculty members.

Enrollment:  At the beginning of the 2007-2008 school year, enrollment was 330 (152 in lower school, 65 in the middle school, and 113 in the high school). 

Facilities:  In addition to 38 classrooms, there are 2 science labs, 2 computer labs, a library, 2 music rooms, an art room, a physical education weight room, a running track, a soccer field, and new playground facilities.  A cafetorium provides areas for a catered lunch for students along with a school community facility for assemblies and performances.

Finances:  In the 2007-2008 school year, about 98 percent of the School's income derives from school tuition and registration fees.  The annual registration fee is $762.  The annual tuition rates are: Pre-K 2: $6,860; Kdg.: $9,055; elementary: $9,207; middle: $10,000; and high school:  $10,549.  (All fees are quoted in U.S. dollars.)